December 24th
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NKJV
In my family, the week between Christmas and New Years is usually characterized by several big meals and lots of sitting around trying to let the food digest. I used to be uncomfortable with so much un-productivity, but in the past few years I’ve learned to enjoy it as a time to rest and enjoy the company of loved ones.
It seems like every year I wrestle with how to include God in my interactions with relatives. Just about all of my relatives go to church, yet we seldom talk about the Lord when we get together. I’m praying that this year will be different. I plan to look for opportunities to talk about God and show his love to the people I’m with. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” (John 5:19 NIV).
Following Jesus’ example, I’m going to pray before heading out to family functions, asking the Lord to show me where he is working and to help me to join him in his work. I invite you to do the same during this next week or so, as you celebrate the holidays. As Christ’s ambassadors, all of us have opportunities to treat our families, friends and others like Jesus would treat them. We are to be the fragrance of Christ around them. God has strategically put us in those relationships and circumstances for his divine purposes. When we yield to his love and allow it to flow through us to others, we become living testimonies to the living Jesus, who is the greatest Christmas gift of all!
Questions for further thought:
What situations will you be in over the holidays where you might have opportunities to talk about Jesus and/or show his love to people through your actions?
Considering the above passage, will people always be receptive to the message of Christ?
Why is it sometimes most challenging to talk about God with our families and friends, as opposed to total strangers?
Did Jesus experience such challenges when dealing with his own family and people from his hometown? (John 7:3-9, Luke 4:16-30)
Prayer:
“Lord God, thank you for the privilege of being an ambassador for you to my friends and family. Please forgive me for ever being ashamed of you around people. Please help me to see where you are working around me and show me how to join you in your work. I surrender myself as a vessel for your purposes. I praise you and thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”